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Abstract

We present a new application and current results for extending depth of field using wave front coding. A cubic phase plate is used to code wave fronts in microscopy resulting in extended depths of field and inexpensive chromatic aberration control. A review of the theory behind cubic phase plate extended depth of field systems is given along with the challenges that are face when applying the theory to microscopy. Current results from the new extended depth of field microscope systems are shown

Images of standard point spread functions (PSFs) with zero waves of defocus (a) and 10 waves of defocus (b) next to images of cubic phase plate system PSFs with zero waves of defocus (c) and 10 waves of defocus (d).

Demonstration of extending depth of field to correct for chromatic aberration. Example blue, green, and red wavelengths focus at different points, but when the depth of field for each wavelength is extended, the overlapping depths result in an overall, chromatic aberration free extended depth of field image